Director of Retail Operations

At SpartanNash, we deliver the ingredients for a better life through customer-focused innovation. We do this for our supply chain customers and U.S. military commissaries, retail store guests and, most importantly, our Associates. In fact, we see a day when each will say, "I can't live without them."

Our SpartanNash family of Associates is 20,000 strong, ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists. Each of them plays an integral role in SpartanNash's People First culture, Operational Excellence and Insights that Drive Solutions. Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

Location:

850 76th Street S.W. - Byron Center, Michigan 49315

Job Description:

The Director of Retail Operations will lead and oversee operational excellence across all store locations, driving performance, profitability, and efficiency. This role will serve as a critical liaison between retail merchandising, Centers of Excellence (COEs), and other business units, ensuring successful project integrations, alignment on strategic objectives, and seamless operational execution. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to lead change, foster collaboration, and utilize data-driven insights to support long-term business growth.

This role requires a driven and adaptable leader who thrives in a dynamic retail environment and is committed to fostering operational excellence and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Lead change management initiatives to ensure successful implementation of new processes and systems across retail operations.

• Develop and execute project integration and transition plans, maintaining comprehensive documentation and providing regular stakeholder updates.

• Lead the development and implementation of innovative backroom solutions to enhance operational efficiency, ensuring optimal on-shelf availability (OSA) through effective inventory management, process improvements, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

• Coordinate training across functions, ensuring teams are equipped with the knowledge and tools to execute new processes effectively.

Performance Management

• Utilize reporting tools to identify trends, strengths, and opportunities, and make recommendations to improve operations and achieve business objectives.

• Collaborate with the leadership team to develop and implement long-range strategies that support forecasted sales and operational goals.

• Monitor and manage Center Store Shrink targets, ensuring desired outcomes are achieved.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison between retail merchandising and COEs, ensuring alignment and timely execution of integration projects.

• Oversee and guide retail operations special projects to drive innovation and improve operational outcomes.

Store Operations Oversight

• Manage front-end and back-end operational processes, including CAO (Computer-Assisted Ordering) systems.

• Review and monitor product allocation processes to ensure stores are stocked effectively.

• Distribute weekly sales recaps to key stakeholders to inform decision-making and drive accountability.

• Conduct regular travel to store locations to provide support, assess operations, and maintain alignment with corporate standards.

Risk and Compliance

• Monitor external factors and regulations affecting the company, integrating this knowledge into planning and decision-making.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field (preferred) or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 10 years of retail experience, including 5 years in retail operations management.

• At least 5 years of experience in a supervisory or management role.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills with a strategic mindset.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication, negotiation, and influencing abilities.

• Demonstrated financial and business acumen with a deep understanding of merchandising and procurement principles.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with expertise in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Access experience preferred.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 50% to support store operations and projects.

As part of our People First culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package (~~~/) .

SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran, that celebrates diversity and believes employing a diverse workforce is key to our success. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals.

We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.

SpartanNash (Nasdaq: SPTN) is a food solutions company that delivers the ingredients for a better life. Committed to fostering a People First culture, the SpartanNash family of Associates is approximately 20,000 strong. SpartanNash operates two complementary business segments - food wholesale and grocery retail. Its global supply chain network serves wholesale customers that include independent and chain grocers, national retail brands, e-commerce platforms, and U.S. military commissaries and exchanges. The Company distributes products for every aisle in the grocery store, from fresh produce to household goods to its OwnBrands, which include the Our Family® portfolio of products. On the retail side, SpartanNash operates 144 brick-and-mortar grocery stores, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, Martin's Super Markets and D&W Fresh Market, in addition to dozens of pharmacies and fuel centers. Leveraging insights and solutions across its segments, SpartanNash offers a full suite of support services for independent grocers. For more information, visit ~~~ .